The Forest Products Annual Market Review 2015-2016 provides a comprehensive analysis of markets in the UNECE region and reports on the main market influences outside the UNECE region. It covers the range of products from the forest to the end-user: from roundwood and primary processed products to value-added and housing. Statistics-based chapters analyse the markets for wood raw materials, sawn softwood, sawn hardwood, wood-based panels, paper, paperboard and woodpulp. Other chapters analyse policies, pallets and wood packaging, and markets for wood energy. Underlying the analysis is a...

The Asia-Pacific Countries with Special Needs Development Report 2016 explores ways to adapt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to the unique circumstances, capacities and levels of development of the Asia-Pacific Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), collectively referred to as Countries with Special Needs (CSN). For that purpose, it proposes a unique analytical framework, based on cutting-edge methods from complexity science coupled with economic analyses, to guide countries on the prioritization and...

The economic and political uncertainty which has characterized the Arab region in the wake of the 2011 transitions and upheaval continues to restrain the region s prospects for growth, job creation and stability. Economic expansion remains stalled, with persistently low global oil prices adding a further burden to the regional economy and constraining the growth and fiscal balances of those countries that had been top-performers due to energy exports. While some progress on social indicators such as gender representativeness can be noted, countries in and affected by political transition and...

In adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, world leaders committed themselves to leaving no one behind in pursuit of the eradication of extreme poverty and protection of the planet. Through concerted efforts galvanised by the MDGs, the world has made progress in reducing poverty, but social exclusion persists in both developed and developing countries. At the same time, some countries have been able to effectively promote inclusion even at low levels of income and development. This volume of the RWSS will focus on social inclusion. In particular, it will examine patterns of...

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) Occasional Papers is a series of ad hoc publications presenting, in edited form, papers or statements made at meetings, symposiums, seminars, workshops or lectures that deal with topical issues in the field of arms limitation, disarmament and international security. They are intended primarily for those concerned with these matters in Government, civil society and in the academic community. This paper provides historical background on the special sessions of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament (1978, 1982 and 1988) and...

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the first international agreement setting out freedoms, rights and entitlements for all humanity to claim. It emphasizes the inextricable relationship between fundamental freedoms and social justice, and their connection with peace and security. The General Assembly of the United Nations proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping the UDHR constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education...

Cities are a driving force of the 21st century. Through bringing large numbers of people into close proximity, they spark economic growth, foster innovation, and generate prosperity. But they face the pressing challenges of creating a livable environment for their residents, enabling economic activity that benefits all citizens, and fostering urban development that is environmentally sustainable, equitable, and resilient to disruptive forces. Finance for City Leaders presents an up-to-date, comprehensive, and in-depth analysis of the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and the various...

The findings of the report show that, compared to coal, electricity generated by hydro, wind, solar and geothermal power can bring substantial reductions in greenhouse gases emissions, and also of pollutants harmful to human health and ecosystems.

The Yearbook series is a result of collaborative efforts by major African regional organisations to set up a joint data collection mechanism of socioeconomic data on African countries, as well as the development of a harmonized database. The data in this issue of the Yearbook are arranged generally for the years 2006-2014, or for the last eight years for which data are available.

This book serves as a directory of the Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York, as well as a listing of their diplomatic personnel. It also includes information on Observer Offices, Specialized Agencies, and other UN organs and bodies.